Growing the Beard: Difference between revisions

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{{trope}}
{{trope}}
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[[File:William Riker Growing The Beard 4.jpg|link=Star Trek: The Next Generation|frame|''Much'' better.]]
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[[File:William_Riker_Growing_The_Beard_4.jpg|link=Star Trek the Next Generation|right|''Much'' better.]]


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{{quote|"''Okay, since when did this show become AMAZING?! ''"|'''Yugi'''|''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged Series]]'', Episode 52}}


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The opposite of [[Jumping the Shark]], [[Growing the Beard]] is the definitive moment when a television series begins to become noticeably better in quality. This often involves a new writer or other creative person coming on board, the happy discovery of a [[Ensemble Darkhorse|popular character]], or the exit of a [[Executive Meddling|meddling executive]]. In general, this is where the franchise starts to find its voice. Getting someone new into a series with an '''abysmal''' beginning can be difficult, as they only have one's word that "it gets a lot better, really." Can occasionally accompany a downplay or removal of [[The Scrappy|less popular characters]].
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{{quote|"''Okay, since when did this show become AMAZING?! ''"|'''Yugi''', ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged Series (Web Video)|Yu-Gi-Oh the Abridged Series]]'', Episode 52}}

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The opposite of [[Jumping the Shark]], Growing The Beard is the definitive moment when a television series begins to become noticeably better in quality. This often involves a new writer or other creative person coming on board, the happy discovery of a [[Ensemble Darkhorse|popular character]], or the exit of a [[Executive Meddling|meddling executive]]. In general, this is where the franchise starts to find its voice. Getting someone new into a series with an '''abysmal''' beginning can be difficult, as they only have one's word that "it gets a lot better, really." Can occasionally accompany a downplay or removal of [[The Scrappy|less popular characters]].


If it is a comedic series then this is usually when it deviates from an overall lighthearted tone and reaches an impressive emotional depth. If it is a drama (or something in between), this would be when the character dynamic is spelled out clearly and starts to resonate with the storyline.
If it is a comedic series then this is usually when it deviates from an overall lighthearted tone and reaches an impressive emotional depth. If it is a drama (or something in between), this would be when the character dynamic is spelled out clearly and starts to resonate with the storyline.


The key to this trope is seeing a dramatic "before and after" difference along the life of a series. The element can sometimes be attributed to a single, outstanding episode that defines the show. Other times it is just a general improvement, like the [[Trope Namer]]: ''[[Star Trek the Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' (see below).
The key to this trope is seeing a dramatic "before and after" difference along the life of a series. The element can sometimes be attributed to a single, outstanding episode that defines the show. Other times it is just a general improvement, like the [[Trope Namer]]: ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' (see below).


It's almost worthwhile to call this ''Finding'' the Beard, because nearly every serial media that persists has some degree of change from its initial variation. [[Continuity Creep]], [[Win the Crowd]], [[Story Arc]] and [[Myth Arc]] are all strong reasons why this can happen, helping the audience grow more interested in this new show. See also [[Surprisingly Improved Sequel]].
It's almost worthwhile to call this ''Finding'' the Beard, because nearly every serial media that persists has some degree of change from its initial variation. [[Continuity Creep]], [[Win the Crowd]], [[Story Arc]] and [[Myth Arc]] are all strong reasons why this can happen, helping the audience grow more interested in this new show. See also [[Surprisingly Improved Sequel]].
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Take note that this is not a requirement with every series. They may have just [[Too Good to Last|fallen away unnoticed]]. Maybe it started at a high quality and there is no dramatic difference in quality as mentioned, unless it only [[Jumped the Shark|went downhill from there]].
Take note that this is not a requirement with every series. They may have just [[Too Good to Last|fallen away unnoticed]]. Maybe it started at a high quality and there is no dramatic difference in quality as mentioned, unless it only [[Jumped the Shark|went downhill from there]].


In general, this happens only once during a series run. But there are times where long after Growing the Beard a show starts to hit a low point like a [[Dork Age]] or [[Strictly Formula]]. A [[Win Back the Crowd|second Growing the Beard can occur with a refreshing of ideas and hitting a new high]]. We might well call this trope "Greying the Beard".
In general, this happens only once during a series run. But there are times where long after [[Growing the Beard]] a show starts to hit a low point like a [[Dork Age]] or [[Strictly Formula]]. A [[Win Back the Crowd|second Growing the Beard can occur with a refreshing of ideas and hitting a new high]]. We might well call this trope "Greying the Beard".


Also note that just because a series eventually grows a beard doesn't mean it was actually bad to start with. Being [[So Okay It's Average]] is sometimes the worst offense a show can have before it evolves, or it takes a season or two of being just "good" before it develops the [[Myth Arc]] it became famous for. ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'' may have needed some time to develop into a truly great piece of work, but it was still an excellent and clever strip from the very beginning.
Also note that just because a series eventually grows a beard doesn't mean it was actually bad to start with. Being [[So Okay It's Average]] is sometimes the worst offense a show can have before it evolves, or it takes a season or two of being just "good" before it develops the [[Myth Arc]] it became famous for. ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'' may have needed some time to develop into a truly great piece of work, but it was still an excellent and clever strip from the very beginning.
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Also note that fans can be [[Broken Base|starkly divided]] [[They Changed It, Now It Sucks|as to whether a change is]] Growing a Beard or [[Jumping the Shark]].
Also note that fans can be [[Broken Base|starkly divided]] [[They Changed It, Now It Sucks|as to whether a change is]] Growing a Beard or [[Jumping the Shark]].


{{noreallife|There's a time and a place for everything and [[South Park|it's called college]].}}Seriously though, truth is stranger than fiction, not better written.
'''[[No Real Life Examples Please]]'''
{{examples}}
{{examples on subpages}}

* [[Growing the Beard/Anime And Manga|Anime And Manga]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Comic Books|Comic Books]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Fan Fics|Fan Fics]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Film|Film]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Literature|Literature]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Live Action TV|Live Action TV]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Music|Music]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Newspaper Comics|Newspaper Comics]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Pro Wrestling|Pro Wrestling]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Sports|Sports]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Tabletop Games|Tabletop Games]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Video Games|Video Games]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Web Animation|Web Animation]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Web Comics|Web Comics]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Web Original|Web Original]]
* [[Growing the Beard/Western Animation|Western Animation]]

{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:No Real Life Examples Please]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Tropes of Legend]]
[[Category:Esoteric Trope Names]]
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[[Category:Home Page/YMMV]]
[[Category:Series Tropes]]
[[Category:Series Tropes]]
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[[Category:Tropes of Legend]]
[[Category:YMMV Trope]]
[[Category:YMMV Trope]]
[[Category:index]]
[[Category:Growing The Beard]]
[[Category:Trope]][[Category:Pages with comment tags]]

Latest revision as of 12:59, 8 October 2021

Much better.
"Okay, since when did this show become AMAZING?! "
—Yugi, Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged Series, Episode 52

The opposite of Jumping the Shark, Growing the Beard is the definitive moment when a television series begins to become noticeably better in quality. This often involves a new writer or other creative person coming on board, the happy discovery of a popular character, or the exit of a meddling executive. In general, this is where the franchise starts to find its voice. Getting someone new into a series with an abysmal beginning can be difficult, as they only have one's word that "it gets a lot better, really." Can occasionally accompany a downplay or removal of less popular characters.

If it is a comedic series then this is usually when it deviates from an overall lighthearted tone and reaches an impressive emotional depth. If it is a drama (or something in between), this would be when the character dynamic is spelled out clearly and starts to resonate with the storyline.

The key to this trope is seeing a dramatic "before and after" difference along the life of a series. The element can sometimes be attributed to a single, outstanding episode that defines the show. Other times it is just a general improvement, like the Trope Namer: Star Trek: The Next Generation (see below).

It's almost worthwhile to call this Finding the Beard, because nearly every serial media that persists has some degree of change from its initial variation. Continuity Creep, Win the Crowd, Story Arc and Myth Arc are all strong reasons why this can happen, helping the audience grow more interested in this new show. See also Surprisingly Improved Sequel.

Take note that this is not a requirement with every series. They may have just fallen away unnoticed. Maybe it started at a high quality and there is no dramatic difference in quality as mentioned, unless it only went downhill from there.

In general, this happens only once during a series run. But there are times where long after Growing the Beard a show starts to hit a low point like a Dork Age or Strictly Formula. A second Growing the Beard can occur with a refreshing of ideas and hitting a new high. We might well call this trope "Greying the Beard".

Also note that just because a series eventually grows a beard doesn't mean it was actually bad to start with. Being So Okay It's Average is sometimes the worst offense a show can have before it evolves, or it takes a season or two of being just "good" before it develops the Myth Arc it became famous for. Calvin and Hobbes may have needed some time to develop into a truly great piece of work, but it was still an excellent and clever strip from the very beginning.

Does not refer to spontaneous generation from one's own body, or the acquisition of an opposite-sex partner to keep up appearances. Or feeling melancholic with facial hair.

Also note that fans can be starkly divided as to whether a change is Growing a Beard or Jumping the Shark.

No real life examples, please; There's a time and a place for everything and it's called college.Seriously though, truth is stranger than fiction, not better written.

Examples of Growing the Beard are listed on these subpages:
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